Hello and thanks for stopping by! My name is Angela. I am a scientist, wife, cat-mom, and fitness enthusiast. This page is my personal blog, and you will find a range of topics, centered around healthy living. Why “The Chicken Scoop”? Well, when I started this blog, we had just gotten a small flock of chickens and the name just stuck! I hope you enjoy your visit!

NYC For a Day

I went to New York City yesterday to hang out with a friend! I met Missy in college, a fellow physics major, and she was a bridesmaid at my wedding. She lives in Texas now so we don’t get to see each other often. Her and another friend were in NYC for a week long trip and they invited me up for a day!

It is about 2.5-3 hour drive without traffic but the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking are ridiculous so I got tickets instead for a Greyhound bus from Atlantic City. The bus was a half hour late but it was empty, clean, and had POWER! I love that I could charge my phone on the way up. I had some healthy snacks and coffee on the way. Then I spent the rest of the time reading my book. It was nice to get some quiet time in!

The bus goes into Port Authority, at 41st and 8th street – right in the mix of things! I let them decide what they wanted to do since I’ve been to NYC a bunch (I lived in Brooklyn for a year and went to school at NYU for 2 years!). They decided they wanted to see Central Park. Since we were all happy walking there, I suggested we walk up 5th Avenue to see the famous shops (Tiffany’s!) and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

We stopped for lunch at Chickpea since Missy’s friend is vegan with food allergies. I got a pita with chicken and all sorts of veggies. It was delicious.

I had never actually gone inside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral before, and it was really beautiful. Photos just don’t do it justice. I lit a candle for those who have passed away and walked the perimeter to look at the carvings and alters. I was amazed at how much Catholic school training came back easily.

Next we headed to down to the park after picking up some Starbucks to warm up. It was really cold outside, even with my 3 layers, gloves, and winter hat!

We didn’t hang out too long in the park because it was cold and it’s winter so nothing is open. They were planning on going to the art museum tomorrow anyway which is in another part of the park so they would see it again. We decided it was time for drinks and warmth so we went in search of restaurants near the bus station. The first place was okay, kind of like an Irish Pub. They had Magner’s Hard Cider on tap so I got a Snakebite (Cider and Guinness).

The next place we went, which was where we wanted to go originally but they didn’t open until 5, was called Wine Escape. They have a little tapas menu, a cheese menu, and a wine list. The place was adorable and already busy when we got there at like 10 after 5!

That is the whole place.

We put Missy in charge of cheese since she used to work at the Wegman’s Cheese counter back in the day and knows her stuff. This was so good, don’t ask me what kinds they are though.

Then it was time to catch the bus home for me. It was so nice seeing her! I really love New York too and I could easily move back there. I don’t know when we’ll get to hang out next. Hopefully it isn’t another 5 years!

What is your favorite part of New York City?
What would you visit first if you had the chance to go?

I love all the restaurants and shops and things to do. You can just walk any direction and find something fun!